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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL

With a heightened interest in sustainability, low impact construction techniques

have been gaining popularity in new construction and renovation projects. Low impact
construction techniques extend to pile foundation in the use of micro piles as a low
impact foundation because the construction equipment used in their installation has a
lighter footprint on the soil.

One novel design concept that incorporates these micro piles is the Pin foundations
or Diamond Pier foundation system. This system was introduced by Rick Gagliano. It
has been used over 20 years as a low impact foundation alternative to traditional
concrete footings. The advantage of pin foundation system is that the original soil is
preserved without being disturbed, so historic storm water flows are also preserved,
eliminating erosion and other run-off problems common to construction sites. For
decade, foundation construction has involved removing the top layer of soil, which
takes away the natural ability of that soil to store. There’s more than one way to make
a house foundation, but the pin foundation draws the attention of green builders who
want to protect and preserve a site’s environment.
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1.2 FOUNDATION ENGINEERING

The soil is the supporting base for all the civil engineering structures. The
foundations that engineers design to be inserted or constructed in the soil have just
two basic functions-properly transferring loads into the soil structure, and making a
connection to the supported man-made structure above. There have always been two
basic types of foundations; Deep Vertical Piling (banged in), or Shallow Spread
Footings (dug in and buried).

Piling keeps soil strength intact and is easy to install - if we don`t have to go
too deep. Footings spread the loads more widely, but the digging breaks apart the soil
weakens it and block or exaggerates water flow. There is a third approach though that
combines the best features of both, and results in an efficient and soil reinforcing
foundation- this is Pin Pile Technology - and it’s actually one of the oldest form
foundations.

By grouping short stiff piles, which are easily driven in penetrable soils, and
setting them at angles to work more like a shallow footing spread like a pyramid in
the ground - an inexpensive foundation can be created, without digging. The pile
group resembles the roots of a tree, and can actually help to buttress the soil structure
it's engaged in. Some of the oldest archaeological roadways discovered were
supported over soft soils this way - with gangs of short driven timber posts -and in
recent decades it has become a reliable technology for complex, heavy-duty
commercial applications. It is a state of the art that does a superior job of transferring
loads to the soil.

Innovations are done to bring Pin Pile technology into common use with a
superior connector-the Diamond pier. The Diamond pier is a compound structure of
familiar concrete and steel materials which provides a solid, stable foundation, which
captures and amplifies the strength of the soil it’s engaged in, and in turn, protects
the permanent structures it supports.
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CHAPTER 2

SYSTEMS IN PIN FOUNDATION

2.1 WALL SYSTEM

These unique foundations are simple to construct by inserting a patented steel

head collar into standard plywood or non-celled forms. A conventional concrete wall
is cast without footing. Once the concrete has set and the forms are removed, small
steel bearing pins are driven through the opening created by embedded collar head
into the bearing soils below the wall. The concrete wall acts like a beam that spans
from one collar head to next and the two bearing pins at each head collar transfers the
load. The bearing pins are driven by hand held or machine mounted jack hammer
generally 1.22- 2.13 metres (4-7 feet) into the soil. The spacing of the pin pairs along
the wall are determined by analysis of framing loads of the structure, and the length
of pins depends on the strength and driving potential of the side soil. A buffer material
separates the base of the stem walls from the surface soil. So that any potential frost
or expansion is not transferred to the wall.

2.1 Pin wall laid without disturbing the soil by excavating

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2.2 PIER SYSTEM

2.2.1 BUTTERFLY PIER

The butterfly is a steel support system primarily for residential decks and
walkways with relatively light load ratings. It is designed for 4x4 wooden posts,
which are set into pinned butterfly bracket and can be easily adjusted for height and
plumb before securing. This is quickest pin foundation system.

2.2.2 SPEED PILE

The speed pile is a versatile bracket that is bolted into the supports. Timber
in pairs with one pin used per bracket. Any timber can be used. A feature for
uneven terrain is the ability to attach the speed pile bracket to super structure at
varying heights to accommodate varying topography. The pins for speed pile are
always sharpened with single bevel cut. So that the splays to lock into the
bracket.

2.2.3 DIAMOND PIER

The most popularly used pin foundation is diamond pier due to its higher
load carrying capacity. A diamond pier is a unique combination of a pre-cast
concrete head and steel bearing pins. Together they form a solid foundation that
reaches deep in to the ground without having to dig or pour concrete. Its pointed
base allows movement of soil through frost action without pushing up the pier.
Different brackets are available to hold different dimensions of beams or posts.
The diamond pier can be used in any penetrable soil with either two or four pins
per head and can be connected with a variety of post or beam connects depending
on the project design.

There are two pier sizes, a fifty pound pier (DP-50) and a hundred Pound
(DP100). Each has different pin diameters and corresponding capacities. The
prototype of diamond pier was installed in 1984, supporting a deck that still
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stands level today. The Pier was subsequently patented in I992, and has been
used on public projects.

2.2 Butterfly pier

2.3 Diamond Pier

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CHAPTER 3

INSTALLATION OF PIN FOUNDATION

3.1 GENERAL

The patented Pin foundation footprint system uses a steel –reinforced

perimeter grade beam, poured in reusable concrete forms resulting on gravel
bedding or pre-cast concrete. First, soil and site characteristics must be determined
since pin foundations are pre-engineered systems. Pin foundation will provide
assistance with designing structures and site orientation, as well as advising on
framing layouts that make the most effective use of the systems. Since the existing
vegetation remains in place during the entire construction process, soil continues to
absorb and process rain water as it always has, plus the building site is cleaner than
excavated sites. Once the beams are in place, a jackhammer drives heavy steel pins
through angled channels to depths of 1.52-2.74m (5 - 9 feet), depending on either
hard or soft soil conditions. The pins criss-cross from opposite sides of the beams to
provide a stable foundation. The number of pins is determined by the weight of the
building and the soil profile. A mud sill is bolted to the grade beam. The Footprint
system easily follows a home’s irregular plan outline and accepts the region’s
earthquake strapping. When the beams follow a sloping grade, the crawl space
cripple wall is framed at an angle to provide a level flow. Once the foundation is
pinned down, construction of the structure proceeds as it would on any conventional
building site.
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3.1 Steps in installation of diamond pier

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CHAPTER 4

PLANNING OF PIN FOUNDATION

4.1 GENERAL

A pin foundation can be used virtually everywhere, But there are a few
considerations during the planning phase.

4.2 SITE

Make sure that the piers are located far enough away from the
obstructions leaving enough space around the pier to drive the pins ,also
substructures need to be identified, So piers are set far enough away to allow
full penetration of the pins without interference. Vegetation in the area with
significant roots can be avoided by spinning the piers, so the pins miss large
roots. Diamond piers can accommodate sloping sites, but slopes greater 2:1
make it difficult to install diamond piers because the downhill pin can’t get
much of a bite into the soil. It is possible to dig the pier into the hill side to
improve the cover on the downhill pin. But the upside of hill needs to cut back
enough to facilitate the installation of the pins.

4.3 SOIL

The diamond pier will work in many soil type including clays, silt, sand
and gravel. The properties of different soil types affect the bearing capacity of
diamond pier. The type of soil also affects the length of pin required. It is
important to identify the soil within the typical pin depths. Typically .6-
1.52m(2-5 feet)below the ground surface, but need not involve a testing lab or
expensive coring equipment generally one or two observations is sufficient for
a small project. For high capacity project using DP-100 piers project in poor
soils, a geotechnical evaluation may be required. Most local geotechnical
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engineers can make these determinations with a single field visit or be able to
determine the information from regional soil survey or previous soil studies
done on site. For determining load capacity an engineer must require angle of
internal friction.

4.4 STRUCTURE

The pier capacity developed in the soil will determine the spacing for
individual diamond piers at post or beam locations. These spacing are
determined from framing layouts, the dead and live loads which are distributed
to the piers. Tall posts need adequate bracing to prevent side sway.

4.1 Pin foundation on poor soil

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CHAPTER 5

DESIGN OF PIN FOUNDATION

5.1 STRUCTURAL DESIGN

The structural design of pin piles for building foundations is typically not
found in local building codes. However, based on the experience in conjunction
with some applicable codes, the following equation can be used.

P=(0.40 to 0.50)FyAs+(.35 to .45)f”cAc

Where:

Fy =Yield stress of either the casing or rebar

As = Cross-sectional area of casing or rebar

f’c = Unconfined Compressive Strength of the grout at 28 days

Ac = Cross-sectional area of the grout

Proper value of factor of safety is applied as per the experience of the

contractor, the experience of the structural engineer, and the observed
performance of the test piles. Full scale sections of the 7 inch steel pipe were
tested, which show that the full yield strength of the pipe can be developed in
compression, along with a calculated stress in the grout filled centre far in excess
of the unconfined compressive strength. The equation above is conservative as
long as the pile is structurally configured to take advantage of confinement. That
is, in soft soils, the grout needs to be confined inside the pipe casing, and in
dense soil or rock bond zones, the grout receives lateral confinement from the
ground. This effect has been confirmed many times through load test
performance at ultimate loading, with stresses far in excess of typical values.
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More research and modelling is needed in this area to further quantify this
benefit so that further economy of design is possible..

5.2 GEOTECHNICAL DESIGN

The bond length is determined by experience and by previous load tests in

similar ground. If the ground conditions vary considerably, then more load tests
should be planned. The bond zone capacity is calculated as a typical friction
pile. Tip resistance is usually neglected. The following calculation can be used.

P=σπdL

Where:

σ=Allowable bond stress of soil/rock in bond zone

d=Diameter of bond zone

L=Length of bond zone

5.3 LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY

The DP-50 which is 10” square at its mid part has maximum load carrying
capacity upto 1815kg(4000lbs) .The DP-100 which is 13”square at it’s mid part
has a maximum load carrying capacity upto 3624kg( 8000lbs).Pin foundation
differ from traditional vertical pile foundation. The length of the pin is
determined before construction. And no driving resistance has to be achieved
before installation is complete. The load which is transferring at the pile soil
interface is unique. Pin foundation uses the pressing action of the pin against the
soil around it and along the length of the pin to transfer the load. The bearing
capacity in different soil is based on pin length.
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Tab 5.1 Pin length and Bearing area

The bearing capacity analysis combines two pins to form a rigid ‘A’ frame
and calculated the capacity of soil wedge between the pins. The soils shown
below in figure are equivalent spread footing along its base length ‘B’ being
distance between pin tips ‘W’ defined by arching factor typically 2-3 times pin
diameter. The depth ‘D’ of equivalent footing is measured vertically from the
surface of the soil down to the tip of the pin. Using these dimensions along with
soil’s angle of internal friction, unit weight and cohesion, we can calculate the
bearing capacity by using the same general bearing capacity equation used to
design traditional shallow foundation. The pier design capacity is made more
conservative by assigning factor of safety to the derived values.

5.1 Soil bearing wedge

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Each piers has different pin diameters and corresponding bracket sizes
which align best with the top of piers. The diamond Pier is a bearing system, and
performs in the soil much like any flat bottom footing. Because the pins are soft,
stiff and locked in the pier under the load, the entire foundation pushes against
the soil as a single solid shape. Each pair of pins, acting in union, bears on a
wedge of soil immediately below it. Four pins create a double bearing wedge with
a cross shaped base.

5.2 Pressure distribution diagram

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CHAPTER 6
EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENT IN PIN FOUNDATION

6.1 CORROSION OF PIN

The galvanized pins are protected from significant corrosion because

they are buried and not exposed to oxygen. Pins supplied are intended to last
the life of the structure. Some industrial sites or unique soil may require pins
with additional protection or stainless steel.

6.2 BEHAVIOUR IN HEAVE

Soils around the country will freeze to varying depths during the winter
months, but they may not cause any harm to foundations if they don’t also
heave. Frost heave will only occur where and when the right condition are in
place-silt soils, a high water table, and just the right rate of temperature drop.
Most soils in colder climates are categorized as having either low or moderate
risk of heave and the Diamond Pier is designed for these areas. The Pins work
like an anchor to hold down the concrete head in heaving soils, and as long as
there is enough pin length to counteract these upward forces the soils will
move up and past the fixed pier. The DP-50 will resist this type of soil
movement for up to an inch (l") of vertical heave. Where severe heave is well
known instance all types of foundations are at risk for even the deep concrete
cylinder style piers, and especially those used for deck foundations, which
support relatively light structures above - further reducing their ability to
counteract heave.

These soils can also heave in warm climates-due to the expansive

swelling of clays. As with freezing soils, not all clays are subject to heave or
swell, and those that are may only heave near the surface, while others
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experience “deep swell”. The Diamond pier is designed to work in lean and
low to moderate swelling clays. Again, the pins provide anchoring resistance
for the concrete head, and as long as there is enough pin length to counteract
the upward forces heaving soil is forced to cleave past the pointed base of the
fixed pier. The key is to have more of the Pin length below the heaving layer
of soil than above it. This upper heaving soil layer is also known as the
saturation zone - its heave is caused by infiltrating rainfall or irrigation - and
it’s typically only a foot or two down from the surface.

6.1 Soil corrosion test

6.2 Heave resistant

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CHAPTER 7
APPLICATIONS

Diamond Pier can support just about any structure that will connect to
a post or beam bracket. Deck, porches, carports, walkways, ramps, stairs,
sheds etc. Diamond Pier's lightweight components and ease of installation
makes it the first choice for any project. Set the pier, drive the pins, connect
the bracket, and start building. It is that easy. On gentle slopes, series of piers
may be set at different heights to adjust for level. The pin foundation also uses
40 percent less concrete than conventional foundations.

Diamond Piers are ideal in areas not suitable for traditional construction
methods. They are often a good solution on sites with poor soils, wet
conditions, or environmental sensitivity. Diamond Piers are installed using
only hand tools with minimal disturbance to native vegetation, and the piers
are fully removable, also making them great for temporary installations. This
technique has been used in parks, wildlife areas and environments where it’s
important to have minimal disturbance of the soil. Typical installations have
been made at the Narbeck wetlands boardwalk near the Everett Boeing aircraft
plant; the Nisqually Interpretive Trail near Tacoma and sensitive-area
walkways in state and national park in US.

Another unique feature is that multiple piers can be used in tandem to

carry heavy loads, and the piers can be placed in close proximity to one
another without pin interference, provided the piers are set in line with one
another and are oriented in the same direction.
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7.1 Stairways

7.2 Direct connect to grade

7.3 Outdoor shed 7.4 Pin foundation on a sloping terrain

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CHAPTER 8
ADVANTAGES OF PIN FOUNDATION

Pin foundation systems allow the construction of structures with

substantial loads in areas with soft soils or in places where existing
groundcover retention is desired. Construction requires a heavy duty air
compressor and minor labour without any assistance from large machinery.

Specific benefits are:

 It can be installed in areas with poor soils/drainage.

 It provides high point-load bearing capacity.
 It requires minimal disturbance and equipment for installation.
 It requires minimal material.
 It can be used in areas of subsurface obstructions or difficult ground.
 It can be used in case of limited overhead clearance.
 It can be used in vibration or noise sensitive area.
 It is used to install elements in close proximity to or through existing footing,
columns, walls, or other structures.
 Building structures in regions with abundant soft soils generally require large
spread footings which require substantial excavation and clearing. Retaining
 Groundcover reduces the potential for soil erosion during and after construction
which has significant surface water quality impacts.
 This foundation approach uses 5-10% of the concrete that would be required for
a typical foundation thus regional materials are conserved.
 The foundation can be removed with relative ease if the structure is to be moved
or reconstructed
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CHAPTER 9
CONCLUSION

The use of Pin Piles for building foundations is expanding while the
technology is refined by gaining higher working loads. As more experience is
gained, and disseminated, their usage will become more common. Numerous
and successful tests accompanied by major projects have been installed which
demonstrate the viability of their use. As the building industry continues to grow,
rehabilitate and expand, the benefits of using Pin Piles will be further realized.
Procedure for installation of pin foundation is comparatively much simpler. By
using pin foundations for simple structures and small buildings we can minimize
soil erosion and disturbance to native environment to some extent. The
environmental advantages of minimizing excavation and reducing concrete
volumes are far reaching and significant.
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CHAPTER 10
REFERENCES

1.TerryStephens(2001)-“ New pin foundation minimizes site

impacts”Environmental outlook

2. JLC staff(2014)“Low-impact footing”-journal of light construction

3. F.Tarquino,P.E (1999) “pin piles for building foundations”

cuddy,pennsylvia